Epidemiology of adult congenital heart disease: demographic variations worldwide

Incidence and predictive factors of mortality of infective endocarditis in adults with congenital heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) with abnormal turbulent blood flow are associated with the highest risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Despite advancement in diagnostics and treatment, the mortality rate of IE remains high due the life-threatening complications. Our study aims to assess the incidence and mortality rates of IE and predictive factors for mortality among adults CHD (ACHD).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, SCOPUS, and Ovid SP to retrieve relevant studies. The pooled estimates and predictors of mortality were calculated using the random-effects generic inverse variance method using R programming.

RESULTS

12 studies involving 3738 ACHD patients were included in this meta-analysis. The overall incidence of IE in ACHD was 1.26 per 1000 patient-years (95% CI 0.55-1.96). 60% (95% CI 46-72%) of patients had surgical management for IE. The mortality rate of IE was 9% (95% CI 7-12%). The predictors of mortality were conservative management (OR: 5.07, 95% CI: 4.63-5.57), renal dysfunction (OR: 4.15, 95% CI: 2.92-5.88), cerebral complications (OR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.78-7.23), abscesses/valve complications (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.71-4.16), Staphylococcus aureus infection (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.33-4.06), emboli (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.47-2.79), body mass index (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21), age (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04), and previous IE (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04).

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate of IE in ACHD is low. However, conservative management is associated with the highest risk of mortality.

Hospitalization expenses of coronary heart disease inpatients in China: evidence from two hospitals in Ningxia Hui autonomous region

Aim

The increasing morbidity from coronary health disease (CHD) has imposed a significant social and economic burden in China. We analyzed the factors affecting hospitalization expenses of CHD patients.

Design

From 2012 to 2018, data on 16,726 CHD patients were collected from the hospital information system in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Methods

A multiple ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting hospitalization expenses.

Results

The average hospitalization expense was RMB30998.26 ± 29890.03. Hospital materials expenses accounted for roughly 60% of total hospitalization costs. The older adult, patients who were male, in critical health status, with longer hospital stays, unemployed, using antibiotics and undergoing an operation without incision had significantly raised hospital expenses, while those with fewer complications, no operations and self-paying for health care had reduced hospitalization costs (p < 0.05). The length of hospital stay played a partial mediator role (p < 0.05).

Public contribution

Controlling the increase of medical materials costs and preventing over-consumption of hospital services by insured patients are recommended.

Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in patients with surgically repaired heart disease

BACKGROUND

Congenital and acquired heart disease complicate 1% to 4% of pregnancies in the United States. Beyond the risks of the underlying maternal congenital heart disease, cardiac surgery and its sequelae, such as surgical scarring resulting in higher rates of arrhythmias and implanted valves altering anticoagulation status, have potential implications that could affect gestation and delivery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether history of maternal cardiac surgery is associated with adverse obstetrical or neonatal outcomes compared with patients without a history of cardiac disease or surgery, considered "healthy controls."

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary analysis of retrospective cohort studies performed at a tertiary care facility in the United States comparing obstetrical outcomes in patients with a history of open cardiac surgery who delivered from January 2007 to December 2018 with healthy controls, who delivered from April 2020 to July 2020. There were 74 pregnancies in 61 patients with a history of open cardiac surgery that were compared with pregnancies in healthy controls. Of the 74 pregnancies, 65 were successfully matched based on gestational age to controls at a 1:3 (case-to-control) ratio. The remainder of cases were matched at a 1:2 or 1:1 ratio; therefore, a total of 219 control pregnancies were included in the analysis. Our primary outcome was the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, as well as cesarean delivery, in patients with a history of open cardiac surgery compared with healthy controls. Our secondary outcome was the incidence of low-birthweight neonates in patients with a history of open cardiac surgery compared with healthy controls.

RESULTS

Patients with a history of cardiac surgery were not more likely to have any hypertensive disorder diagnosed than healthy controls. Patients with a history of cardiac surgery were more likely to have an operative delivery (P<.0001) but equally likely to have a cesarean delivery (P=.528) compared with healthy controls. Birthweight was not statistically different of 2655±808 g in neonates born to patients with a history of cardiac surgery vs 2844±830 g born to healthy controls (P=.092).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of cardiac surgery may not be at higher risk of hypertensive disorder diagnosis during pregnancy. Similarly, most patients with a history of cardiac surgery are also likely not at higher risk of cesarean delivery or low-birthweight neonates.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease - A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about clinical or sociodemographic factors that influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD).Methods and Results: We conducted a nationwide prospective cross-sectional multicenter study at 4 large ACHD centers in Japan. From November 2016 to June 2018, we enrolled 1,223 ACHD patients; 1,025 patients had an HRQoL score. Patients completed a questionnaire survey, including sociodemographic characteristics, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). To determine factors associated with HRQoL, correlations between 2 SF-36 summary scores (i.e., physical component score [PCS] and mental component score [MCS]) and other clinical or sociodemographic variables were examined using linear regression analysis. In multivariable analysis, poorer PCS was significantly associated with 11 variables, including older age, higher New York Heart Association class, previous cerebral infarction, being unemployed, and limited participation in physical education classes and sports clubs. Poorer MCS was associated with congenital heart disease of great complexity, being part of a non-sports club, current smoking, and social drinking. Student status and a higher number of family members were positively correlated with MCS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that HRQoL in ACHD patients is associated with various clinical and sociodemographic factors. Further studies are needed to clarify whether some of these factors could be targets for future intervention programs to improve HRQoL outcomes.

Clinical characteristics of tetralogy of Fallot with left pulmonary artery acute angulation on computed tomography

Left pulmonary artery (LPA) stenosis with acute angulation commonly necessitates surgical revision in the treatment of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We investigated the clinical characteristics of acute angulation of the LPA in patients with TOF via computed tomography (CT). Between 2011 and 2022, 160 patients were diagnosed with TOF using CT. After excluding 28 patients due to insufficient records or age, 132 patients were included in the present analysis. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of acute angulation of the LPA: group I (TOF with an acute angle of the LPA, n = 53) and group II (TOF without an acute angle of the LPA, n = 79). We retrospectively collected clinical data from electronic medical records. T-tests were used to analyze continuous variables (i.e., age, sex, weight, right ventricular outflow tract [RVOT] pressure on echocardiography, and distance to bifurcation), and Fisher's exact and chi-square tests were used to analyze categorical data (i.e., presence of the right aortic arch, pulmonary arterial atresia/hypoplasia, atrial septal defect [ASD], patent ductus arteriosus [PDA], and pulmonary valve). The groups did not differ significantly in terms of sex, weight, presence of the right aortic arch, pulmonary arterial atresia/hypoplasia, ASD, or distance to the bifurcation. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the presence and absence of PDA (P = 0.057); however, patients in group I were significantly older (143.2 ± 97.8 days) than those in group II (91.1 ± 76.0 days, P = 0.002). Furthermore, RVOT pressure was significantly higher among patients in group I (45.1 ± 22.5 mmHg) than in group II (25.0 ± 12.4 mmHg, P < 0.001). In the current study, acute angulation of the LPA in patients with TOF, as observed on CT, was associated with older age and higher RVOT pressure on echocardiography.

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Mexican Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Background

In recent decades, adults living with congenital heart disease (ACHD) have improved their survival, thus increasing their predisposition to the onset of cardiometabolic risk factors and chronic health conditions.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe cardiometabolic risk profiles in the ACHD population and their relationship to congenital heart disease (CHD) lesion complexity.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study from ACHD in a third-tier referral center in Mexico City. The association between cardiometabolic risk factors and CHD complexity was estimated using logistic regression models.

Results

Our study cohort included 1,171 ACHD patients (median age: 31 [IQR: 23.2-42.7] years, male 63.6%). Cardiac diagnosis was classified as mild (44.9%), moderate (37.8%), and severe (17.2%) CHD complexity. Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (55%) was the most common cardiometabolic risk factor; followed by insulin resistance (54.5%) and prediabetes (52.4%). Patients with mild and moderate CHD had a higher prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, while patients with severe CHD had a higher prevalence of hyperuricemia and subclinical hypothyroidism. In the logistic regression analysis, the severity of CHD was associated with higher odds of hyperuricemia (moderate CHD, OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.20-2.93; P = 0.010; severe CHD, OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.64-4.62; P < 0.001) and lower risks of metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41-0.91; P = 0.010), prediabetes (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.81; P < 0.001), and arterial hypertension (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33-0.74; P < 0.001) compared with mild CHD complexity.

Conclusions

We observed high rates of cardiometabolic risk factors in Mexican ACHD patients and these risk profiles varied by CHD lesion complexity. These results highlight the need for ongoing metabolic health surveillance in the ACHD population.

The patient with congenital heart disease in ambulatory surgery

The number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing ambulatory surgery is increasing. Deciding whether a CHD patient is suitable for an ambulatory procedure is still challenging. Several factors must be considered, including the type of planned procedure, the complexity of the underlying pathology, the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Physical Status classification of the patient, and other patient-specific factors, including comorbidity, chronic complications of CHD, medication, coagulation disorders, and issues related to the presence of a pacemaker (PM) or cardioverter-defibrillator. Numerous studies reported higher perioperative mortality and morbidity rates in surgical patients with CHD than non-CHD patients. However, most of these studies were conducted in a cohort of hospitalized patients and may not reflect the ambulatory setting. The current review aims to provide the anesthesiologist with an overview and practical recommendations on selecting and managing a CHD patient scheduled for an ambulatory procedure.

Palliative Care Across the Life Span for Children With Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

AIM

This summary from the American Heart Association provides guidance for the provision of primary and subspecialty palliative care in pediatric congenital and acquired heart disease.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2010 to December 2021. Seminal articles published before January 2010 were also included in the review. Human subject studies and systematic reviews published in English in PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Collaboration were included. Structure: Although survival for pediatric congenital and acquired heart disease has tremendously improved in recent decades, morbidity and mortality risks remain for a subset of young people with heart disease, necessitating a role for palliative care. This scientific statement provides an evidence-based approach to the provision of primary and specialty palliative care for children with heart disease. Primary and specialty palliative care specific to pediatric heart disease is defined, and triggers for palliative care are outlined. Palliative care training in pediatric cardiology; diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations; and future research directions are discussed.

Outcomes of pregnant women hospitalized with unrepaired congenital heart disease: Insights from a multidisciplinary center in Vietnam

Background

In developing countries, fewer women have access to multidisciplinary congenital heart disease and reproductive programs staffed by experts. We report pregnancy outcomes of a multidisciplinary healthcare strategy utilizing an in-hospital teamwork approach in Vietnam.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included pregnant women with unrepaired congenital heart disease managed at a referral cardiovascular center.

Results

Undiagnosed congenital heart disease before pregnancy, a lack of pre-pregnancy cardiology counseling, and modified World Health Organization class III/IV were common. Under the multispecialty healthcare strategy, although the rate of maternal death was 8.2% in the modified World Health Organization class IV group, no deaths occurred in any other group. Fetal/neonatal complications occurred in 54% of pregnancies, and 49.4% of neonates survived. Poor pregnancy outcomes were associated with admission during the first/seconde trimester for fetus/neonates, third trimester for mother, modified World Health Organization class III/IV, cyanosis, and heart failure.

Conclusion

The outcomes of pregnant women with unrepaired congenital heart disease were poor but seemed to improve with a multidisciplinary in-hospital healthcare teamwork strategy.

Early Cerebrovascular Autoregulation in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease

Neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) display delayed brain development, predisposing them to impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation (CAR) and ischemic brain injury. For this paper, we analyzed the percentage of time with impaired CAR (%time impaired CAR) during the first 72 h after birth, the relation with clinical factors, and survival in 57 neonates with CHD. The primary outcome was a correlation coefficient of cerebral oxygenation (rcSO2) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP, mmHg) for two hours on a daily basis. The %time impaired CAR ranged from 9.3% of the studied time on day one to 4.6% on day three. Variables associated with more %time impaired CAR were the use of inotropes (day 1, B = 19.5, 95%CI = 10.6–28.3; day 3, B = 11.5, 95%CI = 7.1–16), lower MABP (day 1, B = −0.6, 95%CI = −1.2–0.0), and dextro-transposition of the great arteries (dTGA) (16.2%) compared with other CHD types (2.0–5.0%; day 1, p = 0.022). Survival was not an associated variable. To summarize, impaired CAR was found in CHD neonates in up to 9.3% of the studied time. More evidence is necessary to evaluate an association with inotropes, dTGA, %time impaired CAR, and long-term outcome, further in larger cohorts.

Associations of congenital heart disease with deprivation index by rural-urban maternal residence: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

The risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) has been found to vary by maternal socioeconomic status (SES) and rural-urban residence. In this study, we examined associations of CHD with two maternal SES indicators and stratified the analysis by maternal rural-urban residence.

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospective cohort study. We included all singleton stillbirths and live hospital births from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2018 in Ontario, Canada. We linked the BORN Information System and Canadian Institute for Health Information databases. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations of CHD with material deprivation index (MDI), social deprivation index (SDI), and maternal residence while adjusting for maternal age at birth, assisted reproductive technology, obesity, pre-pregnancy maternal health conditions, mental health illness before and during pregnancy, substance use during pregnancy, and infant's sex. MDI and SDI were estimated at a dissemination area level in Ontario and were categorized into quintiles (Q1-Q5).

RESULTS

This cohort study included 798,173 singletons. In maternal urban residence, the p trend (Cochran-Armitage test) was less than 0.0001 for both MDI and SDI; while for rural residence, it was 0.002 and 0.98, respectively. Infants living in the most materially deprived neighbourhoods (MDI Q5) had higher odds of CHD (aOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.12-1.29) compared to Q1. Similarly, infants living in the most socially deprived neighbourhoods (SDI Q5) had an 18% increase in the odds of CHD (aOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.1-1.26) compared to Q1. Rural infants had a 13% increase in the odds of CHD compared to their urban counterparts. After stratifying by maternal rural-urban residence, we still detected higher odds of CHD with two indices in urban residence but only MDI in rural residence.

CONCLUSION

Higher material and social deprivation and rural residence were associated with higher odds of CHD. Health interventions and policies should reinforce the need for optimal care for all families, particularly underprivileged families in both rural and urban regions. Future studies should further investigate the effect of social deprivation on the risk of CHD development.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence in cardiac transplantation: A systematic review

Background

This review aims to systematically evaluate the currently available evidence investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the field of cardiac transplantation. Furthermore, based on the challenges identified we aim to provide a series of recommendations and a knowledge base for future research in the field of ML and heart transplantation.

Methods

A systematic database search was conducted of original articles that explored the use of ML and/or AI in heart transplantation in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar, from inception to November 2021.

Results

Our search yielded 237 articles, of which 13 studies were included in this review, featuring 463 850 patients. Three main areas of application were identified: (1) ML for predictive modeling of heart transplantation mortality outcomes; (2) ML in graft failure outcomes; (3) ML to aid imaging in heart transplantation. The results of the included studies suggest that AI and ML are more accurate in predicting graft failure and mortality than traditional scoring systems and conventional regression analysis. Major predictors of graft failure and mortality identified in ML models were: length of hospital stay, immunosuppressive regimen, recipient's age, congenital heart disease, and organ ischemia time. Other potential benefits include analyzing initial lab investigations and imaging, assisting a patient with medication adherence, and creating positive behavioral changes to minimize further cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion

ML demonstrated promising applications for improving heart transplantation outcomes and patient‐centered care, nevertheless, there remain important limitations relating to implementing AI into everyday surgical practices.

Psychosocial Impact of Congenital Heart Diseases on Patients and Their Families: A Parent's Perspective

BACKGROUND

Currently, over 90% of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive into adulthood. As a consequence the psychosocial impact on children and their families has become an important outcome measure. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact from a parent's perspective and to identify possible predictors.

METHODS

We included all parents of children who underwent open-heart surgery in the years 2010 and 2011 at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University Hospital Heidelberg and invited them to complete standardized questionnaires. Psychosocial outcome was measured via parent self- and proxy reporting of family burden (Family Burden Questionnaire, FaBel), health-related quality of life (KidScreen-10), developmental problems (Five-to-Fifteen, FTF), and mental health problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ).

RESULTS

In total, 113 families returned the questionnaires completely (71.5%). The Aristotle Basic Complexity score and the STAT 2020 Score overall did not predict the psychosocial impact, whereas the number of surgical operations did significantly predict psychosocial impact across all domains in this study cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the number of surgical operations might be a relevant predictor for the long-term psychosocial impact on families suffering from CHD and a potential connecting factor for specialized psychological support. When setting up screening instruments or support programs the entire family must be considered.

Assessment of the conjunctival microcirculation in adult patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease compared to healthy controls

PURPOSE

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common live birth defect and a proportion of these patients have chronic hypoxia. Chronic hypoxia leads to secondary erythrocytosis resulting in microvascular dysfunction and increased thrombosis risk. The conjunctival microcirculation is easily accessible for imaging and quantitative assessment. It has not previously been studied in adult CHD patients with cyanosis (CCHD).

METHODS

We assessed the conjunctival microcirculation and compared CCHD patients and matched healthy controls to determine if there were differences in measured microcirculatory parameters. We acquired images using an iPhone 6s and slit-lamp biomicroscope. Parameters measured included diameter, axial velocity, wall shear rate and blood volume flow. The axial velocity was estimated by applying the 1D + T continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Results are for all vessels as they were not sub-classified into arterioles or venules.

RESULTS

11 CCHD patients and 14 healthy controls were recruited to the study. CCHD patients were markedly more hypoxic compared to the healthy controls (84% vs 98%, p = 0.001). A total of 736 vessels (292 vs 444) were suitable for analysis. Mean microvessel diameter (D) did not significantly differ between the CCHD patients and controls (20.4 ± 2.7 μm vs 20.2 ± 2.6 μm, p = 0.86). Axial velocity (Va) was lower in the CCHD patients (0.47 ± 0.06 mm/s vs 0.53 ± 0.05 mm/s, p = 0.03). Blood volume flow (Q) was lower for CCHD patients (121 ± 30pl/s vs 145 ± 50pl/s, p = 0.65) with the greatest differences observed in vessels >22 μm diameter (216 ± 121pl/s vs 258 ± 154pl/s, p = 0.001). Wall shear rate (WSR) was significantly lower for the CCHD group (153 ± 27 s^-1 vs 174 ± 22 s^-1, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This iPhone and slit-lamp combination assessment of conjunctival vessels found lower axial velocity, wall shear rate and in the largest vessel group, lower blood volume flow in chronically hypoxic patients with congenital heart disease. With further study this assessment method may have utility in the evaluation of patients with chronic hypoxia.

Risk factors and outcomes of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time in surgery for adult congenital heart disease: a single-center study from a low-middle-income country

BACKGROUND

Prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (prolonged CPBT; PCPBT) during operations for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) may lead to worse postoperative outcomes, which could add a significant burden to hospitals in developing countries. This study aimed to identify risk factors and outcomes of PCPBT in patients undergoing operations for ACHD.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for their congenital heart defect from 2011-2016 at a tertiary-care private hospital in Pakistan. Prolonged CPBT was defined as CPBT>120 minutes (65^th percentile).

RESULTS

This study included 166 patients (53.6% males) with a mean age of 32.05±12.11 years. Comorbid disease was present in 59.0% of patients. Most patients underwent atrial septal defect repair (42.2%). A total of 58 (34.9%) of patients had a PCPBT. Postoperative complications occurred in 38.6% of patients. Multivariable analysis adjusted for age, gender and RACHS-1 Categories showed that mild preoperative left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was associated with PCPBT (OR=3.137 [95% CI: 1.003-9.818]), while obesity was found to be protective (0.346 [0.130-0.923]). PCPBT was also associated with a longer duration of ventilation (1.298 [1.005-1.676]), longer cardiac ICU stay (1.204 [1.061-1.367]) and longer hospital stay (1.120 [1.005-1.247]).

CONCLUSIONS

While mild preoperative LV dysfunction was associated with PCPBT, obesity was found to be protective. Postoperatively, PCPBT was associated with longer duration of ventilation, cardiac ICU stay, and hospital stay. Operations with shorter CPBT may help minimize the occurrence and impact of these postoperative adverse outcomes especially in resource-constrained developing countries.

Phenotypes of adults with congenital heart disease around the globe: a cluster analysis

OBJECTIVE

To derive cluster analysis-based groupings for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) when it comes to perceived health, psychological functioning, health behaviours and quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

This study was part of a larger worldwide multicentre study called APPROACH-IS; a cross sectional study which recruited 4028 patients (2013-2015) from 15 participating countries. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using Ward's method in order to group patients with similar psychological characteristics, which were defined by taking into consideration the scores of the following tests: Sense Of Coherence, Health Behavior Scale (physical exercise score), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Illness Perception Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Visual Analogue Scale scores of the EQ-5D perceived health scale and a linear analogue scale (0-100) measuring QoL.

RESULTS

3768 patients with complete data were divided into 3 clusters. The first and second clusters represented 89.6% of patients in the analysis who reported a good health perception, QoL, psychological functioning and the greatest amount of exercise. Patients in the third cluster reported substantially lower scores in all PROs. This cluster was characterised by a significantly higher proportion of females, a higher average age the lowest education level, more complex forms of congenital heart disease and more medical comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that certain demographic and clinical characteristics may be linked to less favourable health perception, quality of life, psychological functioning, and health behaviours in ACHD. This information may be used to improve psychosocial screening and the timely provision of psychosocial care.

Neighbourhood maternal socioeconomic status indicators and risk of congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the relationships between various maternal socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and the risk of congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospective cohort study, including all singleton stillbirths and live births in Ontario hospitals from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to examine the relationships between maternal neighbourhood household income, poverty, education level, employment and unemployment status, immigration and minority status, and population density and the risk of CHD. All SES variables were estimated at a dissemination area level and categorized into quintiles. Adjustments were made for maternal age at birth, assisted reproductive technology, obesity, pre-existing maternal health conditions, substance use during pregnancy, rural or urban residence, and infant's sex.

RESULTS

Of 804,292 singletons, 9731 (1.21%) infants with CHD were identified. Compared to infants whose mothers lived in the highest income neighbourhoods, infants whose mothers lived in the lowest income neighbourhoods had higher likelihood of developing CHD (adjusted OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.20-1.38). Compared to infants whose mothers lived in the neighbourhoods with the highest percentage of people with a university or higher degree, infants whose mothers lived in the neighbourhoods with the lowest percentage of people with university or higher degree had higher chance of CHD (adjusted OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.24-1.44). Compared to infants whose mothers lived in the neighbourhoods with the highest employment rate, the odds of infants whose mothers resided in areas with the lowest employment having CHD was 18% higher (adjusted OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.10-1.26). Compared to infants whose mothers lived in the neighbourhoods with the lowest proportion of immigrants or minorities, infants whose mothers resided in areas with the highest proportions of immigrants or minorities had 18% lower odds (adjusted OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.77-0.88) and 16% lower odds (adjusted OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.78-0.91) of CHD, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Lower maternal neighbourhood household income, poverty, lower educational level and unemployment status had positive associations with CHD, highlighting a significant social inequity in Ontario. The findings of lower CHD risk in immigrant and minority neighbourhoods require further investigation.

Experiences of Mothers Facing the Prognosis of Their Children with Complex Congenital Heart Disease

Mothers of children with complex congenital heart disease face unique challenges and emotional burdens, while their children go through physical and psychological difficulties during disease progression. In this study, we aimed to explore the in-depth experiences and feelings of mothers facing the prognosis of their children with complex congenital heart disease that was surgically corrected. This is a descriptive qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 12 mothers of children with complex congenital heart disease at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. The interview data were analyzed by content analysis. Participants were mothers aged between 40–58 years whose children were diagnosed with complex congenital heart disease which was surgically corrected. Based on the content analysis, the mothers’ experiences and feelings were categorized as immense suffering and adapting to a new life. Under the main categories, the concepts included feeling of abandonment, anxiety with potentially losing their children, having hope, seeking reassurance, being encouraged, and trying to embrace the situation. Mothers who cared for their children with complex congenital heart disease expressed emotions that changed sequentially alongside physical and psychosocial changes in the children. The results of this study are valuable for understanding the experiences and emotions of mothers facing the prognosis of their children with complex congenital heart disease in order to aid in the development of programs that support these mothers.

Maternal residential greenness and congenital heart defects in infants: A large case-control study in Southern China

BACKGROUND

Proximity to greenness has shown protective effects on coronary heart diseases by limiting exposure to environmental hazards, encouraging physical activity, and reducing mental stress. However, no studies have previously evaluated the impacts of greenness on congenital heart defects (CHDs). We examined the association between maternal residential greenness and the risks of CHDs.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study (8042 children with major CHDs and 6887 controls without malformations) in 21 cities in Southern China, 2004 - 2016. CHDs cases were diagnosed and verified by obstetrician, pediatrician, or pediatric cardiologists, within one year. We estimated maternal residential greenness using satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in zones of 500 meters (m) and 1000 m surrounding participants' residences. Logistic regression models were used to assess NDVI-CHD relationships adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Interquartile range NDVI increases within 500 m or 1000 m were associated with odds ratios (OR) of 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92, 0.98) and 0.94 (95%CI: 0.91, 0.97) for total CHDs respectively. Air pollutants mediated 52.1% of the association. We also identified a protective threshold at 0.21 NDVI on CHD. Similar protective effects from greenness were found in most CHDs subtypes. The protective associations were stronger for fall, urban or permanent residents, higher household income maternal age ≤35 years of age, and high maternal education (ORs: ranged from 0.85 to 0.96).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of maternal residential greenness on CHDs. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings, which will help to refine preventive health and urban design strategies.

Tetralogy of Fallot: cardiac imaging evaluation

Thanks to advances in pediatric cardiology, most infants with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) now survive into adulthood. This relatively new population of adult patients may face long-term complications, including pulmonary regurgitation (PR), right ventricular (RV) tract obstruction, residual shunts, RV dysfunction, and arrythmias. They will often need to undergo pulmonary valve (PV) replacement and other invasive re-interventions. However, the optimal timing for these procedures is challenging, largely due to the complexity of evaluating RV volume and function. The options for the follow-up of these patients have rapidly evolved from an angiography-based approach to the surge of advanced imaging techniques, mainly echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and computer tomography (CT). In this review, we outline the indications, strengths and limitations of these modalities in the adult TOF population.

Diagnosis and treatment of adults with congenital heart disease

Approximately 50 million adults worldwide have known congenital heart disease (CHD). Among the most common types of CHD defects in adults are atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects followed by complex congenital heart lesions such as tetralogy of Fallot. Adults with CHDs are more likely to have hypertension, cerebral vascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease than age-matched controls without CHD. Moreover, by the age of 50, adults with CHD are at a greater than 10% risk of experiencing cardiac dysrhythmias and approximately 4% experience sudden death. Consequently, adults with CHD require healthcare that is two- to four-times greater than adults without CHD. This paper discusses the diagnosis and treatment of adults with atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects and tetralogy of Fallot.

Nationwide Frequency, Sequential Trends, and Impact of Co-morbid Mental Health Disorders on Hospitalizations, Outcomes, and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Despite the growing prevalence of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), data on trends in prevalence of mental health disorders (MHD) among patients with ACHD remain limited. The National Inpatient Sample (2007 to 2014) was queried to identify the frequency and trends of MHD among ACHD hospitalizations (stratification by age, sex, and race); demographics and co-morbidities for ACHD cohorts, with (MHD+) versus without MHD (MHD-); the rate and trends of all-cause in-hospital mortality, disposition, mean length of stay, and hospitalization charges among both cohorts. A total of 11,709 (13.8%, mean age: 49.1 years, 56.0% females, 78.7% white) out of 85,029 ACHD patient encounters had a coexistent MHD (anxiety, depression, mood disorder, or psychosis). ACHD-MHD+ cohort was more often admitted nonelectively (38.1% vs 32.8%, p <0.001) and had a higher frequency of cardiac/extra-cardiac co-morbidities. The trends in prevalence of coexistent MHD increased from 10.3% to 17.5% (70% relative increase) from 2007 to 2014 with a consistently higher prevalence among females (from 13% to 20.3%) compared to males (from 7.6% to 15.5%) (p_trend <0.001). The hospitalization trends with MHD increased in whites (12.1% to 19.8%) and Hispanics (5.9% to 12.7%). All-cause mortality was lower (0.7% vs 1.1%, p = 0.002) in ACHD-MHD+; however, mean length of stay (∼5.7 vs 4.9 days, p <0.001) was higher without significant difference in charges ($97,710 vs $96,058, p = 0.137). ACHD-MHD+ cohort was less often discharged routinely (declining trend) and more frequently transferred to other facilities and required home healthcare (rising trends). In conclusion, this study reveals increasing trends of MHD, healthcare resource utilization and a higher frequency of co-morbidities in patients with ACHD.

Prognostic value of the model for end-stage liver disease excluding INR score (MELD-XI) in patients with adult congenital heart disease

Patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) are at increased risk of developing late cardiovascular complication. However, little is known about the predictive factors for long-term outcome. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease eXcluding INR (MELD-XI) score was originally developed to assess cirrhotic patients and has the prognostic value for heart failure (HF) patients. In the present study, we examined whether the score also has the prognostic value in this population. We retrospectively examined 637 ACHD patients (mean age 31.0 years) who visited our Tohoku University hospital from 1995 to 2015. MELD-XI score was calculated as follows; 11.76 x ln(serum creatinine) + 5.11 x ln(serum total bilirubin) + 9.44. We compared the long-term outcomes between the high (≥10.4) and the low (<10.4) score groups. The cutoff value of MELD-XI score was determined based on the survival classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. The major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as a composite of cardiac death, HF hospitalization, and lethal ventricular arrhythmias. During a mean follow-up period of 8.6 years (interquartile range 4.4–11.4 years), MACE was noted in 51 patients, including HF hospitalization in 37, cardiac death in 8, and lethal ventricular arrhythmias in 6. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the high score group had significantly worse MACE-free survival compared with the low score group (log-rank, P<0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the MELD-XI score remained a significant predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 1.36, confidence interval 1.17–1.58, P<0.001) even after adjusting for patient characteristics, such as sex, functional status, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and cardiac function. Furthermore, CART analysis revealed that the MELD-XI score was the most important variable for predicting MACE. These results demonstrate that the MELD-XI score can effectively predict MACE in ACHD patients, indicating that ACHD patients with high MELD-XI score need to be closely followed.

Pattern of un-operated Grown Up Congenital Heart (GUCH) patients presenting to a Tertiary Care Cardiac Institute of Punjab

OBJECTIVES

To identify the pattern of un-operated grown up congenital heart defects at our tertiary care cardiac institute.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. All un-operated GUCH patients who presented to Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology (FIC) from May 2017 to 30th July 2017 were enrolled. Diagnosis was established on Transthoracic Echocardiography done by dedicated pediatric cardiologist at FIC. The mode of presentation, presenting complaints, type, severity, complications and co-morbid conditions of CHD were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 200 consecutive patients were enrolled. Mean age was 29.92 ± 11.21 years. There were 104 females (52%) and 96 males (48%). Majority of patients presented in Out-Patient Department (84%) while 16% presented in emergency (n=32). The most common cardiac anomalies were: Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) 41.5% (83), Tetralogy of Fallots (TOF) 42 (21%), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) 28 (14%) and Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) 8 % (16). Cyanotic CHD was present in 43% (86) while TOF was the most common of it. The disease was of moderate complexity in 77.5% patients. Certain complications like Pulmonary hypertension 69(34.5%), Eisenmenger 33(16.5%), Rhythm disturbances 15 (7.5%), Infective endocarditis 5(2.5%) were also present along with co-morbid conditions like coronary artery disease (1.5% and systemic hypertension (2.5%). Dyspnea on exertion (59.5%) followed by cyanosis (41%) were the most common presenting complaints. The most common reason for hospital admission was cardiac signs and symptoms (19.5%) followed by cardiac catheterization (10.5%).

CONCLUSION

The ASD, TOF, VSD and PDA remain the most common CHD in descending order while pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger, heart failure, arrhythmias, infective endocarditis and stroke were the common complications of CHD at this particular age.

Effects of Hepatitis C Virus Antibody-Positivity on Cardiac Function and Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease

It was reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody-positivity adversely affects cardiac function. As the screening for HCV began in 1992, we hypothesized that HCV antibody-positive rate would be high in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients who underwent heart surgery before 1992 and adversely affected cardiac function and long-term prognosis. We retrospectively enrolled 243 ACHD patients (mean age 25.9 years) who underwent cardiac surgery before 1992 and visited our hospital from 1995 to 2015. We compared clinical characteristics including cardiac function and long-term prognosis between HCV antibody-positive (n = 48) and antibody-negative (n = 195) patients. The composite end point (CEP) included cardiac death, heart failure hospitalization, lethal ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac reoperation. The prevalence of reduced systemic ventricular ejection fraction <50% was significantly higher in the HCV antibody-positive group compared with the HCV antibody-negative group (17 vs 5.4%, p = 0.014). During a mean follow-up period of 10.1 years (interquartile range 6 to 14 years), the CEP was noted in 51 patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the HCV antibody-positive group had significantly poor event-free survival than the HCV antibody-negative group (log-rank, p = 0.002). In contrast, HCV ribonucleic acid-positivity was not a significant predictor of the CEP in the HCV antibody-positive group (log-rank, p = 0.442). Furthermore, the HCV antibody-positivity was significantly associated with the CEP in both univariable and multivariable Cox regression models (hazard ratio 2.37, 95% confident interval 1.32 to 4.15, p = 0.005 and 1.96, 1.06 to 3.63, p = 0.032, respectively). In conclusion, these results suggest that more attention should be paid to HCV antibody-positivity in the management of ACHD patients.

Spatial pattern and variations in the prevalence of congenital heart disease in children aged 4-18 years in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution pattern of the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), a high-altitude region in China.

METHODS

Epidemiological data from a survey on the prevalence of CHD in Qinghai Province including 288,066 children (4-18 years) were used in this study. The prevalence and distribution pattern of CHD was determined by sex, CHD subtype, and nationality and altitude. Spatial pattern analysis using Getis-Ord Gi^⁎ was used to identify the spatial distribution of CHD. Bayesian spatial binomial regression was performed to examine the relationship between the prevalence of CHD and environmental risk factors in the QTP.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CHD showed a significant spatial clustering pattern. The Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Yushu (average altitude > 4000 m) and the Mongolian autonomous county of Henan (average altitude > 3600 m) in Huangnan had the highest prevalence of CHD. Univariate analysis showed that with ascending altitude, the total prevalence of CHD, that in girls and boys with CHD, and that of the subtypes PDA and ASD increasing accordingly. Thus, environmental factors greatly contributed to the prevalence of CHD.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CHD shows significant spatial clustering pattern in the QTP. The CHD subtype prevalence clustering pattern has statistical regularity which would provide convenient clues of environmental risk factors. Our results may provide support to make strategies of CHD prevention, to reduce the incidence of CHD in high altitude regions of China.

Prediction of adverse events after catheter-based procedures in adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease in the IMPACT registry

AIMS

We sought to identify factors associated with major adverse events (MAE) after cardiac catheterization in adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), and create the first model to individualize risk discussions in this growing population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment (IMPACT), a National Cardiovascular Data Registry, contains congenital catheterization data from over 87 hospitals in the United States. Demographics, pre-procedure, and procedural variables were collected for patients over age 10. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of MAE, a composite of death, urgent surgery or procedure due to a catheterization complication, transfusion, embolic stroke, tamponade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or ventricular assist device placement, and device embolization, malposition or thrombosis requiring surgical intervention. A risk score was built based on the effect sizes of each predictor and validated in a split sample. A MAE occurred in 686 (2.5%) of the 27 293 index procedures meeting inclusion criteria. The independent multivariate predictors of MAE were older age, pre-procedural anticoagulation use, renal disease, lower haemoglobin, lower oxygen saturation, non-elective procedure, higher index procedure risk and having had no prior cardiac procedures. Being underweight or overweight had borderline significance and was added to the model. The C-statistic for the model was robust at 0.787 in the derivation and 0.773 in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

The factors predicting adverse events after cardiac catheterization in adolescents and adults with CHD are different than in the general population. Validation of this model in other national or multi-institutional datasets is the next step.

Feasibility of low radiation dose retrospectively-gated cardiac CT for functional analysis in adult congenital heart disease

Background:

The use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of adult congenital heart disease patients is limited due to concerns of high radiation doses. The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess whether low radiation dose cardiac CT is feasible to evaluate ventricular systolic function in adults with congenital heart disease.

Methods:

The study group included 30 consecutive patients with significant congenital heart disease who underwent a total of 35 ECG-gated cardiac CT scans utilizing a 320-detector row CT scanner. Each study included a non-contrast scan and subsequent contrast-enhanced retrospectively-gated acquisition. Effective radiation dose was estimated by multiplying the dose length product by a k-factor of 0.014 mSv/mGy cm.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 34.4 ± 8.9 years, 60% were men, and mean body mass index was 24.2 ± 4.3 kg/m². A majority of patients (n = 28, 93.3%) had contraindications to cardiac MRI. A tube potential of 80 kV was used in 27 (77.1%) of the contrast-enhanced scans. The mean signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were 11.5 ± 3.9 and 10.3 ± 3.7, respectively. The median radiation dose for non-contrast and contrast-enhanced images were 0.1 mSv (0.07–0.2 mSv) and 0.94 mSv (0.5–2.1 mSv), respectively. All 35 CT scans were successfully analyzed for ventricular systolic function.

Conclusions:

A low radiation contrast-enhanced, retrospectively-gated cardiac CT with a median radiation dose of less than 1 mSv was successful in evaluating ventricular systolic function in 30 consecutive adult congenital heart disease patients who underwent a total of 35 scans.

Tailored circulatory intervention in adults with pulmonary hypertension due to congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Adults with pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PH-CHD) often have residual shunts. Invasive interventions aim to optimise pulmonary flow and prevent right ventricular failure. However, eligibility for procedures strongly depends on the adaptation potential of the pulmonary vasculature and right ventricle to resultant circulatory changes. Current guidelines are not sufficiently applicable to individual patients, who exhibit great diversity and complexity in cardiac anomalies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We present four complex adult PH-CHD patients with impaired pulmonary flow, including detailed graphics of the cardiopulmonary circulation. All these patients had an ambiguous indication for shunt intervention. Our local multidisciplinary Grown-Ups with Congenital Heart Disease team reached consensus regarding a patient-tailored invasive treatment strategy, adjacent to relevant guidelines. Interventions improved pulmonary haemodynamics and short-term clinical functioning in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual evaluation of disease characteristics is mandatory for tailored interventional treatment in PH-CHD patients, adjacent to relevant guidelines. Both strict registration of cases and multidisciplinary and multicentre collaboration are essential in the quest for optimal therapy in this patient population.

Efficacy and Safety of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Bicuspid Aortic Valves: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To elucidate the performance of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed by searching eligible articles in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar and CNKI. Meta-analysis of included case-control/cohort studies was further conducted. Relative risks (RRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare clinical outcomes of BAV patients and non-BAV patients.

RESULTS

A total of 17 articles including eight case reports, four case series and five case-control/cohort studies with 166 BAV patients were analyzed. Device success rate achieved for TAVI in this cohort of BAV patients was 95.2%. The 30-day mortality rate was 8.4%, and the medium-term (range from 6 months to 2 years) mortality rate reported was 17.9%. Overall, the performance of TAVI in BAV patients was comparable to that in non-BAV patients, as reported by the included case-control/cohort studies (30-day mortality rate: RR = 1.05, 95%CI 0.57-1.95, p = 0.87; Device success rate: RR = 1.00, 95%CI 0.95-1.05, p = 0.94; Incidence of moderate to severe paravalvular regurgitation: RR = 1.25, 95%CI 0.85-1.84, p = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that TAVI may be a feasible and safe treatment modality for BAV patients.

Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in congenital heart disease in Singapore versus the Netherlands: age exceeds ethnicity in influencing clinical outcome

Background

Advanced treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasingly applied worldwide following the—mainly Western world based—international PAH-CHD guidelines. However, studies comparing clinical presentation and outcome after the initiation of PAH-specific treatment are lacking. We aimed to analyse this in a Singaporean and Dutch cohort of PAH-CHD patients.

Methods

Adult CHD patients starting PAH-specific therapy, enrolled in two nationwide registries, were analysed. Patients received phosphodiesterase-type-5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, or a combination. Change in six-minute walk test (6MWT) during follow-up was analysed using linear mixed model analysis. Determinants for mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard analyses.

Results

A total of 74 patients, 45 Dutch (mean age 47 ± 14 years) and 29 Singaporean (mean age 41 ± 14 years) were analysed. Despite a lower 6MWT (312 versus 395 metres, p = 0.01) and peak VO₂ (35 versus 49 % of predicted, p = 0.01) at baseline in Singaporean patients, the treatment effect was similar in the two populations. Age at initiation of therapy (per 5 year lower age, β = + 4.5, p = 0.017) was the strongest predictor of improvement in exercise capacity, corrected for ethnicity, baseline 6MWT, sex and CHD defect.

Conclusions

Patients from Singapore had a worse clinical performance at baseline compared with the PAH-CHD patients from the Netherlands. No relation between ethnicity and improvement in 6MWT after PAH-specific therapy was found. Age at initiation of PAH-specific therapy was the strongest predictor of treatment efficacy and mortality, emphasising the need for early initiation of treatment in these patients.

Projected growth of the adult congenital heart disease population in the United States to 2050: an integrative systems modeling approach

Background

Mortality for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has declined with improved surgical techniques and neonatal screening; however, as these patients live longer, accurate estimates of the prevalence of adults with CHD are lacking.

Methods

To determine the prevalence and mortality trends of adults with CHD, we combined National Vital Statistics System data and National Health Interview Survey data using an integrative systems model to determine the prevalence of recalled CHD as a function of age, sex, and year (by recalled CHD, we mean positive response to the question “has a doctor told you that (name) has congenital heart disease?”, which is a conservative lower-bound estimate of CHD prevalence). We used Human Mortality Database estimates and US Census Department projections of the US population to calculate the CHD-prevalent population by age, sex, and year. The primary outcome was prevalence of recalled CHD in adults from 1970 to 2050; the secondary outcomes were birth prevalence and mortality rates by sex and women of childbearing age (15–49 years).

Results

The birth prevalence of recalled CHD in 2010 for males was 3.29 per 1,000 (95 % uncertainty interval (UI) 2.8–3.6), and for females was 3.23 per 1,000 (95 % UI 2.3–3.6). From 1968 to 2010, mortality among zero to 51-week-olds declined from 170 to 53 per 100,000 person years. The estimated number of adults (age 20–64 years) with recalled CHD in 1968 was 118,000 (95 % UI 72,000–150,000). By 2010, there was an increase by a factor of 2.3 (95 % UI 2.2–2.6), to 273,000 (95 % UI 190,000–330,000). There will be an estimated 510,000 (95 % UI: 400,000–580,000) in 2050. The prevalence of adults with recalled CHD will begin to plateau around the year 2050. In 2010, there were 134,000 (95 % UI 69,000–160,000) reproductive-age females (age 15–49 years) with recalled CHD in the United States.

Conclusion

Mortality rates have decreased in infants and the prevalence of adults with CHD has increased but will slow down around 2050. This population requires adult medical systems with providers experienced in the care of adult CHD patients, including those familiar with reproduction in women with CHD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12963-015-0063-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The revised role of TGF-β in aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome

Background

Recently, we demonstrated that losartan reduced the aortic root dilatation rate (AoDR) in adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS); however, responsiveness was diverse. The aim was to determine the role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as therapeutic biomarker for effectiveness of losartan on AoDR.

Methods

Baseline plasma TGF-β levels of 22 healthy controls and 99 MFS patients, and TGF-β levels after 1 month of losartan treatment in 42 MFS patients were measured. AoDR was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up.

Results

Patients with MFS had higher TGF-β levels compared with healthy controls (121 pg/ml versus 54 pg/mL, p = 0.006). After 1 month of therapy, losartan normalised the TGF-β level in 15 patients (36%); the other 27 patients (64%) showed a significant increase of TGF-β. After 3 years of losartan therapy, patients with a decrease in TGF-β had significantly higher AoDR compared with patients with increased TGF-β (1.5 mm/3 years versus 0.5 mm/3 years, p = 0.04). Patients showing a decrease in TGF-β after losartan therapy had significantly elevated baseline TGF-β levels compared with patients with increased TGF-β (189 pg/ml versus 94 pg/ml, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients responding to losartan therapy with a reduction of the plasma TGF-β level had higher baseline TGF-β levels and a higher AoDR. Most likely, TGF-β levels may be considered to be a readout of the disease state of the aorta. We propose that increased angiotensin II is the initiator of aorta dilatation and is responsible for increased TGF-β levels in MFS. The concept of TGF-β as initiator of aortic dilatation in MFS patients should be nuanced.

An evaluation of Admedus' tissue engineering process-treated (ADAPT) bovine pericardium patch (CardioCel) for the repair of cardiac and vascular defects

Tissue engineers have been seeking the 'Holy Grail' solution to calcification and cytotoxicity of implanted tissue for decades. Tissues with all of the desired qualities for surgical repair of congenital heart disease (CHD) are lacking. An anti-calcification tissue engineering process (ADAPT TEP) has been developed and applied to bovine pericardium (BP) tissue (CardioCel, AdmedusRegen Pty Ltd, Perth, WA, Australia) to eliminate cytotoxicity, improve resistance to acute and chronic inflammation, reduce calcification and facilitate controlled tissue remodeling. Clinical data in pediatric patients, and additional pre-market authorized prescriber data demonstrate that CardioCel performs extremely well in the short term and is safe and effective for a range of congenital heart deformations. These data are supported by animal studies which have shown no more than normal physiologic levels of calcification, with good durability, biocompatibility and controlled healing.

Occupational challenges of young adult patients with congenital heart disease

Background

Despite improved survival of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), higher rates of unemployment and work-related problems are seen, especially among younger adults. This study was performed to gain insight into current barriers and facilitating experiences at work among young adult patients with CHD.

Methods

This qualitative study consisted of semi-structured face-to-face interviews, based on a self-constructed model from several existing models, which were held among outpatients with CHD from a large tertiary referral centre. Verbatim transcribed audio-taped data were analysed using a directed model-based content analysis approach.

Results

Fifteen patients had been interviewed when data saturation was reached. Work was important for all participants. Several barriers and facilitating factors were identified. Barriers were mostly on physical aspects and lack of opportunities for recovery. Important facilitating factors were good relationships with colleagues and employer and having sufficient opportunities for recovery. Most of these factors are also seen among patients with other chronic diseases, but with a different priority.

Conclusion

This is the first study that has identified qualitative factors at work of young adult CHD patients. Work is important to them. Challenges are dealing with the physical barriers and getting enough support from colleagues. Specific coaching or a tailored group intervention could thereby be helpful. Future research should aim at the aetiology of problems and identifying patients who would benefit most from specific coaching.

Contemporary prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in adult congenital heart disease following the updated clinical classification

BACKGROUND

The aging congenital heart disease (CHD) population is prone to develop a variety of sequelae, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous prevalence estimates are limited in applicability due to the use of tertiary centers, or database encoding only. We aimed to investigate the contemporary prevalence of PAH in adult CHD patients, using a nationwide population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed, using the population-based Dutch CONgenital CORvitia (CONCOR) registry. All patients born with a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt, thereby at risk of developing PAH, were identified. From this cohort, a random sample was obtained and carefully reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 12,624 registered adults with CHD alive in 2011, 5,487 (44%) were at risk of PAH. The random sample consisted of 1,814 patients (mean age 40 ± 15 years) and 135 PAH cases were observed. PAH prevalence in patients born with a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt was 7.4%. The prevalence of PAH after corrective cardiac surgery was remarkably high (5.7%). Furthermore, PAH prevalence increased with age, from 2.5% under 30 years until 35% in the eldest. PAH prevalence in the entire CHD population was 3.2%. Based on 3000 per million adult CHD patients in the general population, we can assume that PAH-CHD is present in 100 per million.

CONCLUSIONS

This new approach using a nationwide CHD population reports a PAH prevalence of 3.2% in CHD patients, and 100 per million in the general adult population. Especially in patients after shunt closure and the elderly, physicians should be aware of PAH-CHD, to provide optimal therapeutic and clinical care.

A calcified sinutubular junction: the discovery of a supravalvular aortic stenosis in an elderly woman

We report a case of a 64 year old woman with a calcified ring at the level of the sinotubular junction. Echocardiography and Computed Tomography showed a supravalvular aortic stenosis, without known associated lesions, except for the existence of an aberrant right subclavian artery. These combination of abnormalities makes it an unique case. Differential diagnosis of sinutubular calcification is added. From the literature a short review of supravalvular aortic stenosis is presented with indications for surgical intervention. Lifelong and regular follow up is necessary.

Catheter ablation in children and young adults: is there an additional benefit from remote magnetic navigation?

Purpose

Although rare, children and young adults can suffer from significant cardiac arrhythmia, especially in the context of congenital malformations and after cardiac surgery.

Methods

A total of 62 patients (32 female, median age 20 years) underwent an invasive electrophysiology study between 2008–2011: half had normal cardiac anatomy, whereas the remaining patients had various types of congenital heart disease. All patients were treated using either conventional techniques (CVN) or remote magnetic navigation (RMN).

Results

Patients treated with the RMN system differed substantially from patients in the CVN group with respect to presence of congenital heart disease (67 % vs. 37 %), previous cardiac surgery (59 % vs. 20 %) or failed previous conventional ablation (22 % vs. 9 %), respectively. Although these more complex arrhythmias resulted in longer median procedure duration (180 vs. 130 min, p = 0.034), the median overall fluoroscopy exposure in the RMN group was significantly lower (4.1 vs. 5.2 min, p = 0.020). Clinical outcome was comparable in both groups without complications caused by the ablation.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation using remote magnetic navigation is safe and feasible in children and young adults and is especially valuable in patients with abnormal cardiac morphologies. RMN resulted in significantly lower radiation exposure compared with the conventional technique.